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15 Unique Things to Do & Hidden Gems in Phoenix to Explore

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View of Phoenix city skyline framed by desert mountains at sunset.

15 Unique Things to Do & Hidden Gems in Phoenix to Explore

Things To Do | May 7, 2025 | SWSS Staff

If you’re planning a trip to Phoenix and Scottsdale soon, you’ve probably already heard a lot about the tourist hot spots in the Valley of the Sun to add to your desert vacation bucket list — from hiking Camelback Mountain to exploring the Desert Botanical Garden.

While all the popular things to do in Phoenix, Arizona, are popular for a reason, the Greater Phoenix area also offers tons of hidden gems to explore, from hole-in-the-wall restaurants to under-the-radar activites that are just as great (if not better!) than their more popular alternatives. So, if you’d like to get off the beaten path during your vacation, check out these hidden gems in Greater Phoenix!

Unique Experiences in Phoenix

1. Scorpion Hunting in the Desert

Close-up of a brown scorpion with raised tail on sandy desert ground.

Want to see desert scorpions in their natural habitat? While you definitely don’t want to get stung by one of these venomous desert creatures, spotting them from a distance in the desert with an ultraviolet light is a cool and unique experience in Phoenix. You can join a guided hike with a ranger at many of the parks and nature preserves in Phoenix, or go on a self-guided hike to see scorpions in Arizona.

2. Stargazing at Desert Preserves

If scorpion hunting isn’t your thing, there are also plenty of other unique ways to appreciate the beauty of the desert at night, like stargazing! From McDowell Mountain Regional Park and the Estrella Mountains to Fountain Hills and Saguaro Lake, there are multiple professional observatories, dark sky parks and preserves, and desert viewpoints in the Valley that are ideal for stargazing in Phoenix.

3. Watching the Sunset at Dobbins Lookout

Located in South Mountain Park and Preserve, Dobbins Lookout is a scenic observation point at an elevation of nearly 2,400 feet, offering panoramic views of Greater Phoenix. This lookout is a stunning place to watch the desert sunset in Phoenix — bring plenty of water and pack a picnic to enjoy as you watch the sky light up in vibrant hues of orange, red, and pink.

4. White-Water Rafting on the Salt River

Group of people white-water rafting in a yellow raft through rocky rapids.

During the warmer months, floating the Lower Salt River is one of the most popular (and fun!) ways to stay cool in Greater Phoenix. However, for those looking for more of a lesser-known adventure, you can also ride the Class IV rapids on the Upper Salt River on a thrilling white-water rafting trip in Phoenix with tour outfitters and guides like Mild to Wild and Arizona Rafting.

5. First Friday Art Walk in Downtown Phoenix

Did you know that Phoenix is home to one of the largest art walks in the United States?

As the name suggests, the First Friday Art Walk on Roosevelt Row and Grand Avenue is held on the first Friday of each month from 6 to 10 PM. At the event, you can explore local art galleries, shop from local vendors and food trucks, listen to live music, and enjoy free admission to some of the most popular museums in Scottsdale and Phoenix, like the Phoenix Art Museum and Heard Museum.

6. Mystery Castle by Boyce Luther Gulley

If you’re searching for something to do in Phoenix that not even the locals know about, take a tour of Mystery Castle by Boyce Luther Gulley in the foothills of South Mountain Park from October to May. This stone “castle” was built by a father for his daughter in the 1940s after he migrated to Arizona, complete with eighteen rooms, thirteen fireplaces, and charming Southwestern-style decor.

7. S’edav Va’aki Museum

S’edav Va’aki Museum, formerly known as the Pueblo Grande Museum, is an archaeological site located just east of the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, where the Hohokam indigenous people once inhabited. The museum features a trail through the village site that leads visitors past a platform mound, a ball court, and replicated houses, as well as three galleries filled with fascinating artifacts and informative displays.

Book Your Next Vacation in Scottsdale

Find your perfect getaway with unparalleled luxury in Scottsdale! Choose from our premier rental properties and secure your spot for an indulgent Arizona retreat.

Hidden Food & Drink Spots in Phoenix

8. Glai Baan

Colorful Thai dishes with rice, shrimp, and noodles on a wooden table.

Glai Baan is a Thai restaurant in Phoenix that serves traditional street food and snacks commonly found in Thailand in large, shareable portions. The menu features small plates, soups, and classic noodles and rice, many of which are spicy, in order to stay authentic to the region’s cuisine and culture.

9. Chino Bandido

Chino Bandido is a popular Chinese-Mexican fusion restaurant in Phoenix that is well-known among locals but is definitely a hidden gem for visitors! Mix and match proteins, such as Chinese BBQ Pork and Jerk Chicken, with bases like Refried Beans and Chicken Fried Rice, to create the ideal Chino Combo. And, don’t forget to snag a snickerdoodle cookie for dessert!

10. Little Miss BBQ

Searching for the best-kept secret for barbecue in Phoenix? Look no further than Little Miss BBQ, with two locations in Sunnyslope and Tempe. You can fill up on Central Texas BBQ classics, such as slow-smoked brisket, ribs, and pulled pork. If you’re looking for something unique and Southwestern, try a burrito (enchilada-style!) stuffed with your favorite smoked meat.

11. Valentine

Valentine is a laid-back, modern New American restaurant in Central Phoenix that offers a diverse menu, featuring brunch, dinner, dessert, and a full-service bar. The bar serves handcrafted espresso drinks during the day and cocktails at night. The menu features Southwestern flavors with a refined flair, making this a spectacular spot for a unique brunch in Scottsdale or Phoenix or a fun evening out with friends.

Related: 10 Fun Places to Eat in Scottsdale

12. Tacos Chiwas

No visit to Phoenix, Arizona, would be complete without some authentic Mexican food… and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Tacos Chiwas. This family-owned restaurant, with two locations in Phoenix and Mesa, prepares fresh, flavorful tacos using handmade tortillas from family recipes passed down for generations, including Pastor, Barbacoa, Carnitas, and, of course, Tacos Chiwas.

Secretive Bars & Speakeasies in Phoenix

Three elegant cocktails on a wooden table beside a small lantern.

13. 36 Below

Located beneath Sip Coffee & Beer in Arcadia, 36 Below is one of the coolest speakeasies in Greater Phoenix, offering creative craft cocktails, an innovative design, and state-of-the-art virtual reality scenes that transport you to faraway places. 36 Below offers rotating pop-up themes throughout the year, so check the calendar to see what experience is available during your trip to Phoenix!

14. Rough Rider

Rough Rider is a unique speakeasy in Phoenix themed around Teddy Roosevelt and the rustic elegance and old-world charm of the Victorian Era in the United States. This hidden speakeasy is located in the basement of a business building on Central Avenue and Roosevelt Street in Downtown Phoenix, and is accessible via the middle elevator. It’s not too difficult to find — just follow the signs!

15. Century Grand

Century Grand might be a hidden gem for now, but not for long — its recent popularity has landed this spot on lists of the best cocktail bars in Phoenix and Scottsdale! Choose from three cocktail experiences — UnderTow for nautical vibes and tropical drinks, Platform 18 for the glitz and glamor of an old-world luxury train car, and Grey Hen Rx for an authentic speakeasy experience in the 1920s.

Check Out the Coolest Hidden Gems in Phoenix While Staying at a Stylish Resort-Style Property in Scottsdale

Ready to explore all the best of Phoenix and Scottsdale — including these under-the-radar places to eat and drink, and unique experiences and things to do? If so, choose a spacious, comfortable, and luxurious place to stay that will put you close to all the action with Stay With Style Scottsdale! Browse our luxury rentals in Scottsdale to find the perfect “home away from home” in Greater Phoenix, and don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions. We look forward to hosting you!

Book Your Next Vacation in Scottsdale

Find your perfect getaway with unparalleled luxury in Scottsdale! Choose from our premier rental properties and secure your spot for an indulgent Arizona retreat.

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